AK - RN Infection Prevention And Control Manager - Sitka

EARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

The Infection Prevention & Control Manager (IPCM) is responsible for the surveillance, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of healthcare-associated infections (HAI); monitoring reportable conditions, educating employees about infection prevention; and the development of health system policies and procedures to insure rigorous infection prevention and control standards that meet Joint Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Centers for Medicaid/ Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Federal Drug Administration (FDA), and other nationally recognized agencies and evidence-based infection prevention and control practices. Ensures timely reporting of infection prevention and control measures and outcomes based on CMS requirements.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Infection Prevention and Control Program:Responsible for the development, implementation, maintenance, and updating of the SEARHC Infection Prevention and Control Plan and keeping the Program in alignment with all IPC regulatory agencies and leading practices. Appropriate policies and procedures are written, approved, and implemented that support the IPC program and initiatives using CDC, OSHA, FDA, TJC, and Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) guidelines.
• Data/ Reporting:Collects, trends, prepares, and maintains all infection control data and statistical reports and records, providing appropriate reports as needed to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and other regulatory agencies. Provides support and resource assistance to all areas in the Consortium regarding infection prevention, control, and surveillance.
• Education/ Training:Serves as an expert for Infection Prevention and Control, staying abreast of the most current literature and leading practices; facilitates and promotes IPC education and training of all SEAHC staff, patients, families, and communities; maintains a strong working relationship with Public Health and other regional, state, and national entities to ensure up to date information is being distributed to SEARHC constituents. Conducts new and annual employee IPC orientation and training.
• Serves as chair for IPC committee and participates in other committees/teams as needed and has direct oversight of the Employee Health program.
• Travel is required to various sites within SEARHC to assess, educate, and train. Travel is via jet, small plane, and/or ferry.

Other Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervisory responsibilities are included in this position.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Current full, unrestricted Registered Nursing license in Alaska or other U.S. state required.
• Direct Hire must have applied for an Alaska nursing license before start date. Agency staff must have an active Alaska license.
• Bachelor s degree in health-care related field (nursing, public health, epidemiology, microbiology, or similar)
• Master's degree in a healthcare-related field (MPH, MSN) preferred.
• Certification in Infection Control and Prevention (CIC).
• BLS (Basic Life Support) current within 3 months of hire, and biannually thereafter.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years
• Manager Competency required within 3 months of hire and every three years

Experience Required

• Minimum 3 years of acute care/infection control experience and/or data collection and performance improvement/risk management experience.
• Experience with basic statistics and epidemiological principles.
• Long-Term Care experience a plus.

Knowledge of

• Working knowledge of epidemiology and infectious disease.
• Working knowledge of project management and performance improvement methodology.
• Understanding of data analysis and statistics.

Skills in

• Accurate, precise, and timely data entry and reports.
• Proficient computer skills in MS Office and database applications.

Ability to

• Synthesize regulatory requirements and evidence-based practices from a variety of professional and accrediting organizations and translate knowledge into policy, implementation, and staff education.
• Communicate appropriately with consideration of health literacy needs for specific audiences in multicultural settings.
• Manage programs and evaluate effectiveness.
• Collect, analyze, trend, and report data accurately and effectively.
• Work in a team environment and independently as necessary.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and communicate clearly with staff and leadership.
• Assist medical, administrative, and executive leaders to integrate IC principles and regulatory requirements with strategic, medical, and business initiatives.
• Effectively work with many lateral relationships.

Required Certifications:

Clinical Competency Assessment- SEARHC, High Risk Competency- SEARHC